. >> we are also talking about as julia was commencing there the fiscal cliff now what washington the gridlock means i think it's most telling because what senator matt baucus from montana said we have 31 days left yet. we are not near a deal yet. we can't expect any sort of a deal with any weeks before christmas i would think. >> the big knock on the president through the this process has been a failure to lead. i think one that sticks rather well. because, instead of sitting down with john boehner. instead of trying to hash something out. he is out there again campaigning, gives speeches, instead of being the one that sits down and gets this deal down. here is the president on again what appears to be the campaign trail yesterday in pennsylvania. >> santa delivers everywhere, i have been keeping my own naughty and nice list for washington. >> [ laughter ] >> you should keep your eye hun gets some connects this year. some members of congress who get them and some who don't. i'm ready to sign it. there are no shortage of pens in the white house. and i carry one around for an emergency